Senate approves state worker pension plan contribution

State workers would have to contribute between 2 and 6 percent of their annual salaries to their pension plans under an angst-ridden measure approved by the Florida Senate by a 26-13 vote this afternoon.

“I wish we didn’t have to go there. but I think it’s the responsible thing to do when you look at the broad set of issues,” Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, apologized before the vote.

The chamber also approved an amendment requiring lawmakers and statewide elected officials to kick in slightly more. They’d have to pay in 7 percent of their annual earnings above $50,000 towards their retirement plans.